Monday, November 30, 2009

A Committee was constituted under the Chairmanship of Cabinet Secretary to look into the issue of One Rank One Pension and other related matters. After considering all aspects of the issue, the Committee did not find it administratively feasible to recommend One Rank One Pension, as such. However, several other recommendations to substantially improve pensionary benefits of Personnel Below Officer Rank (PBOR) and Commissioned officers have been made, which have been accepted by the Government:-

(i) Inclusion of Classification Allowance for PBOR from Jan 01, 2006.

(ii) Removal of linkage of full pension with 33 years from Jan 01, 2006.

(iii) Revision of Lt Gen Pension after carving out a separate pay scale for them.

The scope of National Old Age Pension Scheme(NOAPS) has been widened and the scheme has been renamed as Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme (IGNOAPS) w.e.f. 19.11.2009 by revising the eligibility criteria from ‘a person of 65 years old and destitute’ to ‘a person of 65 years old and belonging to a family living below poverty line according to the criteria prescribed by the Government of India’. There is no proposal to modify the eligibility criteria under National Family benefit Scheme (NFBS). National Maternity Benefit Scheme (NMBS) was transferred to Ministry of Health and Family Welfare w.e.f. 1.4.2001.

IGNOAPS and NFBS, among others, are part of National Social Assistance Programme(NSAP) and have been transferred to State Plan since 2002-03 and funds are released as a combined allocation for all the schemes of NSAP together. State-wise allocation and releases during the year 2008-09 under NSAP is at Annexure.

The Minister of State in the Ministry of Rural Development, Shri Pradeep Jain ‘Aditya’ informed the Lok Sabha today.

Indian Banks' Association (IBA) today said it has reached a broad agreement with bank unions to provide one more pension option and a salary hike, ending the 2-year-long stand-off between the two.

"We have reached a broad agreement with representatives of bank unions. It has been decided that one more option for pension and a salary hike of 17.5 per cent will be given to the employees," IBA Chief Executive K Ramakrishnan told PTI.

The agreement was reached at a meeting between top IBA officials, including Chairman M V Nair and IBA Chief Executive K Ramakrishnan and representatives of all nine bank employees unions.

A second option for pension will benefit nearly 2.72 lakh serving employees and around 60,000 retired employees, IBA said.

As per the understanding, bank managements will pay 70 per cent towards the difference in actuarial cost while the balance 30 per cent will be borne by the employees.

IBA and bank unions are expected to sign the final agreement in the next few months.
Source:PTI

"We do not agree with the proposed salary hike for bank employees. The SBI employees demand that the increase should be at par with the salary of the Central government employees," AISBOF vice-president SK Haldar said here.

The Indian Banks Association (IBA) and United Federation of Banking Unions (UFBU) representing nine bank employee associations had agreed to the wage hike and pension benefits after a prolonged discussion in Mumbai yesterday.

Haldar, who was here to attend the zonal conference of the SBI Officers Association, said AISBOF will decide its future course of action on Tuesday.

The three lakh SBI employees are ready for an indefinite strike to demand a separate wage revision at par with Central government employees, he added.
Source: Indian Express

Friday, November 27, 2009

ONE MORE OPTION FOR PENSION ACHIEVEDWE DEDICATE THIS ACHIEVEMENT TO THE MEMORY OF
COM. PRABHAT KAR ON HIS 25TH DEATH ANNIVERSARY DAYYes, today, 27-11-2009, is the 25th death
anniversary of our great leader and doyen of bank
employees trade union movement, Com. Prabhat Kar. On this
solemn day and during the centenary year of this father of
our movement, we deem it a befitting commemoration and
tribute to his life-long pioneering role in shaping up the
service conditions of bank employees that the Minutes have
been signed with the IBA on our wage revision demand and
more importantly, securing another option for more than 3
lacs of employees/officers/retirees to get the benefit of
our unique pension scheme.Salient features:a) Annual wage increase of Rs. 4816 ( Rs. 2239
crores for officers and Rs. 2576 crores for workmen
employees ) w.e.f. 1-11-2007.b) All the existing employees who are now in PF
scheme will be given an option to join the existing
pension scheme.c) All those who have retired after the date of
Pension Regulations till date will also be given an option
to join the pension scheme.d) Full settlement on the above to be finalized
within 90 days.Wage revision – what we have achieved:

7th
BPS

8th
BPS

NOW

Additional annual wage load

12.25 %

13.30 %

17.50 %

Total
quantum of annual wage increase (Officers & Workmen)

1497
crores

2200
crores

4816
crores

Annual
Average Per Capita Increase

ØFor
Workmen employees

ØFor
Officers

12,550

24,025

23,300

43,600

56,200

91,800

ONE MORE OPTION TO JOIN PENSION SCHEME

– A UNIQUE ACHIEVEMENT:In 1993, after bitter struggles and against all
odds, AIBEA and AIBOA achieved pension scheme for bank
employees. Today, once again, with the leading role of
AIBEA and AIBOA, another milestone has been anchored. More
than 3 lacs bank employees, officers and retirees will now
get another option to join the pension scheme to insulate
themselves with this unique social security benefit. It is
a very commendable achievement indeed.Dear comrades, with the signing of this Minutes,
the main understandings have been reached. Now the UFBU
will be taking steps to expedite the final settlement with
revised pay scales, allowances and other improvements and
thereafter for implementation of the same and payment of
arrears to the employees.Dear comrades, on this happy occasion, it is
necessary to remind ourselves that these achievements were
preceded by persistent efforts and protracted negotiations
by the leadership of UFBU and backed up by the exemplary
unity of the bank employees and officers and their
successful participation in the strike actions. It is the
result of our unity, militancy and perseverance.OUR CONGRATULATIONS AND WARM GREETINGS TO ALL OUR
UNITS AND MEMBERS.

The two-day PSU bank strike, which was set to begin on Monday, has been called off. The Indian Banks Association and the United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) agreeing to revive talks on March 3 on issues relating to pension, resumption of compassionate recruitment, ban on outsourcing of banking activities and consolidation of banks.

As per the consensus, these issues would be sorted out within a specified timeframe. “The IBA has agreed to look into these issues in a bid to find an amicable solution,” CH Venkatachalam, convenor, UFBU told FE. It is learnt that the IBA has also agreed to provide a second option to bank employees to move towards pension benefits in lieu of PF. Venkatachalam also pointed out that the issue of compassionate and general recruitment would be looked into. Earlier, finance minister P Chidambaram and chief labour commissioner SK Mukhopadhyay held talks with the representatives of the trade unions.
Source: Financial Express

Thursday, November 26, 2009

Seeking a fair deal: Central government employees form human chain on Tank Bund on Wednesday.

HYDERABAD: Members of the Confederation of Central Government Employees and Workers, Andhra Pradesh unit, on Wednesday formed a human chain on the Tank Bund, starting from Hyderabad to Secunderabad on the pavement demanding steps to reduce prices of essential commodities.

Led by T. Satyanarayana, chairman, and V. Nageswara Rao, general secretary of the confederation, the unique protest attracted both youth and aged employees who participated in good number. The protestors demanded filling of vacant group ‘D’ category posts, opposed outsourcing and closure of government undertakings.

They wanted the decision on new contributory pension scheme revised and removal of ‘arbitrary’ ceiling on compassionate appointments. According to Mr. Rao, employees of from the Postal department, AG’s office, Income-Tax, Survey, and Defence laboratories took part in the protest.

Protest against govt. policies

Demand justice: Central Government employees formed a human chain in front of the Head Post Office, Erode, on Wednesday to protest against various policies of the Government and also price rise.

ERODE: Union Government employees staged a protest here on Wednesday evening against Government policies and price rise.

The employees, affiliated to National Federation of Postal Employees, Federation of National Postal Organisation and Income Tax Employees Federation, and a few other organisation formed a human chain in front of the Head Post Office, Erode.

They urged the Government to control price rise, which they said was because of rise in prices of petrol and diesel, forward and
speculative trade in essential commodities, cut in States allocation of items meant for public distribution, permission to export sugar,and improper planning of food crops among others. The protesters pointed out that the Government had cut PDS allocation to States by as much as 73 per cent.

They also pointed to the absence of Department Council in various departments and arms of the Government and improper functioning of the Council where it existed and said both had caused discontent among employees, who were suffering without having a proper forum to air their grievances.

The employees highlighted the Government filling up Class Four/Group D vacancies with casual, contract and contingency staff, though the ban on recruitment had been removed.

Their other demand was to increase the medical allowance for pensioners. The Government had fixed the allowance at Rs. 100 though it had hiked other allowances, the protesters said and alleged that the Government had done so to only help private insurance firms.Source: The Hindu

For the 4,000-odd people who retired from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) before 1997and are now in their 70s, the new year will not start on a happy note as they will see their pensions reduced from January.

This is because of a government order that RBI has no power to update pension of its employees. This has been a bone of contention between the government and the central bank for the past one year. In 2003, RBI increased the pension of those who retired before 1997 by an administrative circular. The revision was based on pay drawn in 10 months prior to the retirement on a notional basis.

However, in October last year, in an internal circular, the central bank said, “as advised by government of India,” the updated pension scheme is withdrawn with immediate effect.

Protesting the move, the pensioners moved the Bombay High Court, which said they could represent to the government, which could dispose of the representation by a speaking order. The court said if the government order went against the petitioners, RBI would not reduce the pension for eight weeks from the time the speaking order was communicated to the petitioners. The government order, which went against the pensioners, was issued and communicated in the last week of October.

The decision will result in a loss of Rs 1,000-5,600 a month for these former RBI staffers, who are mostly septuagenarians. RBI would have incurred an additional cost of merely Rs 10 crore on updation. The government order said RBI did not have the power to update its pension scheme.

“As per RBI Pension Regulations, 1990, pension is to be calculated on the basis of the average of last 10 months pay drawn and not on the basis of notional pay. Further, there is no provision in the RBI Pension Regulations, 1990, to update pension,” said the finance ministry, adding, “RBI employees have an edge over central government employees on entitlement of gratuity, pay structure, revision of salary. If each service is allowed cherry picking of the best of other services, it will lead to an anarchical situation.”

The finance ministry said RBI’s pay structure was not comparable with that of central government employees for the reason that pay scales of RBI employees were revised after every five years, while for central government employees, the revision happenned after 10 years.

“There are no perquisites for central government employees while RBI employees are entitled to a host of perquisites,” the order said. It added that those who retired from RBI were much better placed than those who had worked for public sector banks as the central bank’s salary structure was much better.

The law ministry, which was consulted by the government, said pension regulations could not be amended through an administrative order but added that the employees of RBI, a statutory body, could not be equated with other central government employees as their pension was governed by regulations under the RBI Act.

The Indian Banks’ Association (IBA), which was consulted, also opposed the hike in pension saying a similar demand could be made on public sector banks. “Updation of pension may involve approximately an amount of Rs 1,042 crore (annually) for public sector banks, excluding the State Bank of India,” the government order said, quoting the IBA.
Source:Business Standard

A big reflection in the salary hike for government employees and army staff's , has increased the vendor's breath by expecting more progression on their sales. The nation's car manufacturers , consumer durable firms besides tour & travel operators expect that this hike may give a relief on their demand. Now a part of the vendor's view had turned on to the government officials and army staff's. Auto makers like Maruti Suzuki , Hyundai and General Motors have been the first ones to target on these consumers with schemes and aggressive discounts. Government employees and armed forces constitute a minuscule 5% of total cars sold in domestic market last year which has increased to 12-15% this year.

For example Maruti , which came up with 'Wheels of India' scheme targeted at central government employees managed to sell 10 , 641 cars in October through the promotion. Last year Maruti had sold just about 2 , 500 cars to consumers who happened to be employees of central government. Mayank Pareek , Sales Executive Officer Maruti Suzuki said that "Now we are extending the scheme to those who work with public sector undertakings besides state government employees. We are shortly launching special packages for ONGC , which is one of the largest institutional customers."

Similarly , Hyundai which has doled out discounts ranging between Rs 10 , 000-31 , 000 to government employees and army personnel has managed a three-fold increase in sales to 3 , 000 cars in October. They also have a tie up with SBI , Axis Bank and HDFC Bank to provide attractive finance schemes to help government employees buy a vehicle.

Subject:- Grant of Dearness Relief to the Central Government Pensioners who are in receipt of provisional pension or pension in the pre revised scales of 5th CPC w.e.f 1.7.2009.

In continuation to this Department's OM of even No. dated 27th March, 2009 and 22nd October, 2009 sanctioning the Dearness Relief to those Central Government pensioners who are in receipt of provsional pension or pension in thepre revised scales of 5th CPC, the President is pleased to grant the Dearness Relief to these Central Government pensioners as under:

1. Those who are in receipt of provisional pension or pension in the pre revised scales of 5th CPC are entitled to Dearness Relief @ 73% w.e.f 1.7.2009.

(i) The surviving CPF beneficiaries who have retired from service between the period 18.11.1960 to 31.12.1985 and are in receipt of ex-gratia @ Rs.600/- p.m. w.e.f 1.11.1997 under this Department's OM No.45/52/97-P&PW(E) dated 16.12.1997 are entitled to Dearness Relief @ 73% w.e.f 1.7.2009.

2. The following categories of CPF beneficiaries who are in receipt of ex-gratia payment in terms of this Department's OM No.45/52/97-P&PW(E) dated 16.12.1997 are entitled to DR @ 65% w.e.f 1.7.2009.

(i) The widows and dependent children of the deceased CPF beneficiary who had retired from service prior to 1.1.1986 and are in receipt of Ex-gratia payment of Rs.605/- p.m.

(ii) Central Government employees who had retired on CPF benefits before 8.11.1960 and are in receipt of Ex-gratia payment of Rs.654/-, Rs.659/-, Rs.703/- and Rs.965/-.

3. This issues with the concurrence of Ministry of Finance, Department of Expenditure vide their UO No. 363/EV/09, dated 23.10.2009 and UO No.373/EV/2009 dated 16.11.2009.

Subject:- Pay fixation on grant of non-functional scale to Section Officers of CSS subsequent to implementation of CCS(Revised Pay)Rules,2008.

The undersigned is directed to refer to this Department's Order No.21/36/03-CS.I dated 13th November, 2003 regarding introduction of Non Functional scale of Rs.8000-275-13500/- to section Officers of Central Secretariat Service (CSS) and to say that the matter relating to pay fixation on grant of non-functional scale to Section Officers of CSS snsequent ot implementation of CCS(Revised pay) Rules, 2008 has been considered in the Department of personnel and training [both CS Division and Estt.(Pay) Division] in consultation with the Department of Expenditure.

It has been clarified by Estt.(Pay) Division vide their U.O.No.5/2/2009-Estt.(Pay-I) dated 17.09.2009 that at the time of grant of non-functional upgradation to Section Officers belonging to CSS, their pay fixation may be done under Rule 13 of CCS(Revised Pay) Rules, 2008 i.e. they should be granted one increment @ 3% of their basic pay and to the figure so arrived at, the difference in grade pay (Rs.5400 - Rs.4800 = Rs.600) should be added. Further, this dispensation may be implemented w.e.f 1-1-2006.

All the Cadre Units of CSS are requested to take further necessary action.

Subject:- Revision of pension on the recommendations of the Pay Commission - Applicability of the judgement of Hon'ble Supreme Court in CA No.5566 of 2008 in the case of Civil pensioners.

In the judgement dated 9.9.2008 in CA No.5566 of 2008 {SLP (Civil) No.12357 of 2006}-UOI vs. Maj. Gen. SPS Vains Hon'ble Supreme Court has directed that the pay of all pensioners in the rank of Major General and its equivalent rank in the two other Wings of the Defence Services be notionally fixed at the rate given to similar officers of the same rank after the revision of pay scales with effect from 1.1.1996, and, thereafter, to compute their pensionary benefits their pensionary
benefits on such basis with prospective effect from the date of filling of the writ petition.

Some representations have been received in this Department pensioners/pensioners' associations suggesting that the pension of pensioners who retired from the civil departments and who before their retirement, were governed by the CCS(Pension) Rules,
1972 may be revised by applying the ratio of the aforesaid judgment of the Apex Court. These representations/references have been examined in consultation with Ministry of Finance and Ministry of Law.

The undersigned is directed to say that the judgment dated 9.9.2008 in CA No.5566 of 2008 {SLP(Civil)No.12357 of 2006} - UOI vs. Maj. Gen. SPS Vains will not apply in the case of pensioners who retired from the civil departments and who, before their retirement, were governed by the CCS(Pension)Rules, 1972.

The undersigned is directed to refer to DOP&T
0.M.No.310111412008-Estt.(A), dated 23rd September, 2008
allowing encashment of earned leave alongwith LTC and to say
that various references are being received from
MinistriesIDepartments with regard to the applicability of Rule
38-A of the CCS (Leave) Rules, 1972 to the Central Govt.
employees. In this regard it is clarified that

(1) Central Govt. employees governed by CCS (Leave)
Rules, 1972 who are entitled to LTC but opt for the
facility of LTC provided to their spouses employed in
PSUslCorporationlAutonomous Bodies etc. and

(2) Central Govt. employees governed by CCS (Leave)
Rules, 1972 who are otherwise not entitled to LTC, on
account of their spouse being employed in Indian
Railways/National Airlines who are entitled to privilege
passeslconcessional tickets

are entitled to leave encashment while availing the LTC facility
of their spouselprivilege passes/concessional tickets of their
spouse on fulfillment of all the conditions as stipulated in Rule
38-A of the CCS (Leave) Rules, 1972 twice in a four years block
of LTC.

Government has been published a clarification through DOPT regard to the definition of "Nursery". This clarification order says, "Reimbursement will be applicable for expenditure on the education of school going children only.

Children from classes nursery to twelfth including classes eleventh and twelfth held by junior colleges or schools affiliated to Universities or Board of Education".

Hence, It is clarified that 'classes nursery to twelfth' will include classes I to XI1 +2 classes prior to class I irrespective of the nomenclature.
So, an employee may avail this allowance from LKG studying children.

The undersigned is directed to refer to DOP&T O.M. of even No.dated 2.9.2008 on the above subject. Para l(c) of the said O.M. says

"Reimbursement will be applicable for expenditure on the education of school going children only i.e. for children from classes nursery to twelfth including classes eleventh and twelfth held by junior colleges or schools affiliated to Universities or Board of Education".

Various clarifications are being sought with regard to the definition of 'nursery' as the same is being called by different names in different institutions. This matter was considered in consultation with Ministry of Finance. It is clarified that 'classes nursery to twelfth' will include classes I to XI1 +2 classes prior to class I irrespective of the nomenclature.

It is further clarified that in respect of schools/institutions at nursery, primary and middle level not affiliated to any Board of education, the reimbursement under the Scheme may be allowed for the children studying in a recognized school/institution. Recognized school/institution in this regard means a Govt. school or any educational institution whether in receipt of Govt. aid or not, recognized by the Central or State Govt. or Union Tenitory Administration or by University or a recognized educational authority having jurisdiction over
the area where the Institution is situated.

Ordnance Factory Board.,Ministry of Defence ,issued a clarification on MACP for Industial Employees ,In which it is clarified that upto 31-8-2008 any promotion or upgradation from Semiskilled to Skilled Grade for those who recruited against Skilled vacancies should be ignored for the purpose of granting MACP wef.01-09-2008.

Industrial Employees of OFB in the grade of Skilled,Highly Skilled,MCM who were granted two ACP's before 31-08-2008 are entitled for 3rd MACP in the Grade Pay of Rs.4600 as and when they complete 30 years of service or 10years after getting 2nd promotion/ACP provided they fulfil conditions laid down in MACP order. Source:Vinmoney

An employee cannot claim pension if he opts for voluntary retirement scheme underwhich he is disentitled for the same, the Central Administrative Tribunal has held.

The tribunal passed the order while hearing a bunch of petitions from the employees of Delhi Transport Corporation, seeking pension from the corporation which was denied to them after they had opted for VRS between 1993 and 1995.

DTC had introduced a pension scheme for its employees in 1992, which could not be operationalised till 1995.

Meanwhile, in 1993, a VRS scheme was introduced by the corporation asking desirous employees to apply within 15 days.

The scheme was again offered to employees in 1994 and 1995 respectively.

While the 1993 VRS categorically said that the benefit of pension would be available to employees opting for it, the subsequent schemes contained clauses clearly denying the benefit of pension to workers opting retirement.

The CAT ordered the corporation to release the pension of three employees -- Jag Shoran, Zile Singh and Madhu Bhushan Anand, who had opted for VRS in 1993, when the benefit of pension was then available to the employees.

The Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT) has held that government can frame guidelines fodepartmental promotion committees (DPCs) and judiciary will not question its validity so long as it provides level playing field for all candidates.

"The government has a right to frame the guidelines for the DPCs and there cannot be any judicial interference in such case, unless the same are perverse or are drafted to favour a class of candidates," CAT Vice Chairman L K Joshi and Member Meera Chhibber said.

The tribunal passed the order on a plea of a Delhi police sub-inspector, challenging the promotions made on the basis of 2008 circular which issued guidelines for the DPC to promote eligible police personnel.

The sub-inspector, Ram Niwas, contended that DPC should have followed 2005 guidelines for promotions and not the 2008 guidelines which was issued after creation of vacancies.

The Allahabad High Court has quashed an order of the Central Administrative Tribunal and directed appropriate authorities to consider providing job to the petitioner, whose father died while working in a post office, on compassionate grounds.

Pronouncing the judgement, the Lucknown Bench of the Court observed yesterday: "People will lose faith in the administration of justice in case rightful claim is rejected only because of pendency of litigation in courts."

A Division Bench comprising Justice Devi Prasad Singh and Justice Anil Kumar passed the order on a petition filed by Awadhesh Kumar, whose father, a postman in UP's Barabanki district, died in harness on August 8, 2002.

In April 2004, the Competent Authority had rejected the application of the petitioner for providing employment on compassionate grounds.

The petitioner later filed an appeal before the Chief Post Master General (UP Circle), Lucknow.

When his appeal was not decided for over one year, he approached the CAT which dismissed his plea.

The petitioner moved the High Court in 2006 challenging the order of the CAT and the Competent Authority.

The Bench quashed the judgement of the CAT as well as the order passed by the Competent Authority.

The Court directed the respondents to reconsider the case of the petitioner for providing job on compassionate grounds.

The Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT) has come to the rescue of a widow by granting her family pension after noting that she was pursuing the matter relentlessly with the Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) after her husband died in 2005.

A tribunal bench, comprising vice-chairman M Ramachandran and member Shailendra Pandey, passed the order giving relief to the widow of Kalanath Sharma, who resigned from the corporation in 1990 but applied for pensionary benefit after the scheme came into force in 1992.

The DTC started the pension scheme for its employees in 1992 and there was a provision that those who retired after 1981 were eligible to opt for either pensionary benefit or PF. Kalanath had opted for pension.

The tribunal said that it was proved that the deceased had been pursuing the matter related to his pension continuously with the DTC and had even offered to return the contributory provident fund (CPF) to the corporation.

"There are circumstances sufficient to reveal that there was a conscious effort on the part of the employee concerned to claim his benefits. He had offered to pay back CPF benefits received. This supports our view that what was being pursued was not an empty claim," the CAT said.

The tribunal ordered DTC to treat Kalanath as a person who had opted for pension after his resignation, when the scheme had been brought into force.

Earlier, the corporation repudiated the claim of widow, saying that there was a difference between a retired employee and one who resigned from the post and thus Kalanath was not eligible for any pensionary benefit.

Railway minister Mamata Banerjee’s pet project of setting up a new coach factory at
Kanchrapara in West Bengal may put the ministry’s other coach manufacturing units on a slow track.

Rites –a 100 per cent subsidiary of the Indian Railways (IR) – has invited bids for appointment of consultants to manage the bidding to select a private developer that would set up a new rail coach factory at Kanchrapara.

The project is estimated to cost about Rs 10,000 crore. Under the agreement, railways will lease out land to a private company for about 30 years. It will have an installed capacity of 1,000 coaches per year. However, it will start with 500 coaches only.

The construction of a new unit may impact productivity of other factories including Rail Coach Factory (RCF) at Kapurthala, Integral Coach Factory (ICF) and Rail Coach Factory (RCF) at Raebareli.

“There are already four-five production units. While RCF Kapurthala can manufacture 1,500 coaches, ICF and RCF at Raebareli together can produce another 2,500 coaches. There is a demand for 3,000-3,500 coaches every year. The construction of another coach factory would put extra burden in terms of under-utilisation of existing capacities,” a senior railway ministry official said on the condition of anonymity.

The new unit to be built in public-private partnership will give an edge to private companies over government units. “Private companies will come only if the proposal is made attractive in long-term. Once they (private company) sign an agreement, the government will have to ensure that the unit is not under-utilised. Therefore, there will be possibility of shifting orders from companies such as RCF and ICF to the new unit,” the official explained.

Banerjee, while presenting the railway budget for 2009-10, had announced setting up of a new factory at Kanchrapara-Halisahar railway complex with annual capacity of 500EMU/MEMU and metro coaches per year. The minister had said that the land was already available for the project.

Government cannot refuse to give no objection certificate (NOC) to an employee on "vexatious technical grounds" if no public interest was involved, the Central Administrative Tribunal has said.

"Denial to grant NOC is not sustainable as it is not the case of Ministry of Defence that there is a shortage of officers and the applicant's departure would be greatly inconvenient...Neither public interest is pleaded nor could it be established," a bench of CAT, comprising Chairman V K Bali and Vice Chairman L K Joshi, said.

The tribunal passed the order on a plea filed by Satyam, Assistant Medical Officer working with the Ordnance Factory Hospital, which had rejected her application seeking permission to appear in an interview for the post of Insurance Medical Officer in Employees State Insurance Corporation (ESIC).

The Ministry had rejected Satyam's request on the ground that the last date of submission of application was over.

"The only claim of the Ministry is that the application was not submitted before the expiry of time for its submission to ESIC. This is merely a vexatious technical objection," the tribunal said.

The Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT) has issued a showcause notice to the Indian Railway authorities on the issue of unexplained delay in completing procedures for appointment to Group D posts under the East Coast Railway division.

The Tribunal bench comprising Justices K Thankapan and CR Mohapatra has directed the Railways Secretary, the Chairman of Railway Board and the General Manager of ECoR to file their counters in eight weeks.

The directions came in response to a petition filed by one TR Barik and three others. They alleged that though the process for appointment to as many as 5,200 Group D posts under ECoR was initiated in 2006, it is yet to be completed due to the apathy of the authorities and thereby pushing the applicants into uncertain future.

The petitioners stated that advertisement for the posts was published on October 28, 2006 and written examinations were conducted in four phases in 2007.

The results were published in February 2008 and it was followed by physical tests in five phases.

After that the merit list should have been published and the final process of medical and document scrutiny carried out to give appointments to successful candindates. The process has stalled at that point. Thousands of candidates who had applied and appeared for the exams are still awaiting their final results.

While other divisions had already finished giving appointments for similar posts, the same is curiously being delayed here, the petitioners alleged.

President cannot withhold pension or gratuity of a government official unless the charges framed against him come under the ambit of grave misconduct, the Central Administrative Tribunal has held.

"Unless the language of the charge as framed or the enquiry report shows that the charge is of grave misconduct, the President cannot withhold pension or gratuity," the tribunal, comprising chairman V K Bali and vice-chairman L K Joshi, said.

The CAT passed the order on a petition filed by V T Prabhakaran, the retired scientist of Indian Agricultural Statistics Research Institute, challenging departmental proceedings and withholding of arrears benefit that was due to him after he retired on February 2009.

Prabhakaran was facing charges of posting objectionable material on the display board of the office and making false and baseless allegations against the director and other higher officials of IASRI.

"There is not even a whisper of the charges being of the nature of grave misconduct in the report of the inquiry officer," the tribunal said while quashing the departmental proceedings against the scientist.

The CAT observed that the material posted at the display board was picked up from newspapers and was already in public.

"The act of Prabhakaran may be uncalled for and not in good taste, yet it cannot be said to be an act of grave misconduct, which would merit withholding of pension or gratuity," the tribunal said.

Monday, November 23, 2009

The following decisions have been taken in respect of seven firms/companies/suppliers/vendors, supplying defence equipment to the armed forces during the last 2 years and the current year i.e. M/s Israeli Military Industries, Israel; M/s Singapore Technology, Singapore; M/s HYT Engg; M/s TS Kishan and Co. Pvt Ltd., New Delhi; M/s RK Machine Tools; M/s BBT, Poland; M/s Media Architects Pte, Ltd, Singapore:-

(a) Where contracts have been concluded and also executed, action should be taken against the companies, as per the provisions of the contract, on completion of the CBI investigation.

(b) In regard to the tender cases of procurement/execution, where the tender process has already been started and where the companies mentioned in the FIR are figuring, each case should be dealt as per the tender conditions, keeping in view of the FIR in question. No tender should be awarded to the companies mentioned in the FIR unless the CBI investigation clears them totally.

(c) The tender cases of procurement/execution, where the tender process has not yet started, there should be no dealing with the companies mentioned in the FIR, till the finalization of investigation.

(d) Contracts that have been entered into and are being executed or pending execution, shall remain on hold. In these cases, further action will be taken as per the contractual provisions on receipt of the investigation report of the CBI. Some restrictions on procurement cases in respect of M/s IAI or M/s Rafael have also been placed.

Government has laid down elaborate procedures for procurement of defence equipments, weapons and stores. The procedures prescribed include “Defence Procurement Procedure” for capital acquisition and “Defence Procurement Manual” for revenue purchases. These procedures are also reviewed periodically.

This information was given by Defence Minister Shri AK Antony in a written reply to Shri Naveen Jindal in Lok Sabha today.

Senior officials of the Central Excise, Customs and Service Tax Department (Delhi unit) staged a mass protest at the Jantar-Mantar here on Sunday, demanding better pay scale and improved working conditions.
The officials also submitted a memorandum of their demands to the Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh and the Finance Minister, Pranab Mukherjee, on the occasion.

Ravi Malik, General Secretary, All India Association of Central Excise Gazetted Executive Officers (Delhi unit) complained that officers were being paid much below their counterparts in other departments.

Malik criticised the Central Pay Commission for neglecting the department.

” Gross injustice has been done to us by the Pay Commission as higher scales have been granted to other equivalent cadres ignoring us,” he said.

Malik pointed out that superintendents are forced to work without sufficient staff and proper working conditions.

“The equivalent officers belonging to the agencies like the CBI, IB and the Police Department are given higher scales, extra one month salary and special pay alongwith other facilities by the government, while we are being totally ignored despite the fact we perform more hazardous and arduous duties,” he added.

The charter of demands submitted by the officials included promotion of the Superintendents of Central Excise to a post carrying a grade pay of 6600 rupees per month and better working conditions.

It also included demands for making the process of transfer/posting transparent, besides other necessary changes.

Saturday, November 21, 2009

The Ministry of Tribal Affairs has over the years received proposals and requests for inclusion in the Scheduled Tribes’ list in excess of 1000 from various Individuals/Organizations and State Governments/Union Territory Administrations.
The recommendations of the State Governments/Union Territory Administrations only are processed in terms of the Article 342 of the Constitution and the modalities laid down by the Government on 15/06/1999 for this purpose. Inclusion and exclusion in the Scheduled Tribes’ lists of States/Union Territories is an ongoing process.

This information was given by the Minister of State in the Ministry of Tribal Affairs Dr. Tushar A. Chaudhary in a written reply in the Lok Sabha today.

The Government has revised the wage structure and other amenities of all categories of Gramin Dak Sevaks including those engaged to distribute letters in rural areas in the country.

The revised Time Related Continuity Allowance (TRCA) of Gramin Sevaks will be implemented w.e.f. 01.01.2006 while other allowances will be implemented w.e.f 09.10.2009. Women Gramin Dak Sevak will be provided Maternity Grant equivalent to three months TRCA with DA for the birth of two children out of the welfare fund of the Department.

For Productivity Linked Bonus (PLB), present calculation of Ex-gratia bonus by applying the calculation ceiling of Rs. 2500 as basic TRCA+DA shall continue to be adopted till such time a new scheme is devised by the Department.

Arrears of TRCA w.e.f 1.1.2006 to 31.10.2009 have been ordered to be paid in cash in two instalments of 40% and 60% spread over the financial year 2009-10 and 2010-11 after adjusting the payments made toward the basic monthly TRCA+ DA drawn from time to time. The 2nd instalment of 60% arrears will be payable only after issue of specific instructions in this regard.

This was stated by Shri Gurudas Kamat, Ministry of Communications and Information Technology in Rajya Sabha today.

The Government have implemented the VIth Central Pay Commission recommendation and introduced Performance Related Incentive Scheme (PRIS) in ISRO/DOS. This has encouraged bright student to opt fro careers in ISRO and therefore the attribution rate in ISRO has drastically reduced.

The Government have set up an institution called Indian Institute of Space Science & Technology (IIST) in Thiruvanantapuram, Kerala in the year 2007 under the Department of Space. The Institute offers undergraduate programmes / professional courses relevant to Indian Space Research Organisation / Department of Space (ISRO/DOS)
with a possibility of providing direct employment opportunities to the graduating student within ISRO/DOS. Apart from this, there is no plan for setting up of any new institution.

This was stated by Shri Prithviraj Chavan, Minister of State for Science and Technology and Earth Sciences

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) in consultation with the Ministry of Human Resource Development and keeping in view the spirit of National Policy of Education, 1986 has decided to introduce the following education reforms:-

i) There will be no class X Board examination w.e.f. 2011 for students studying CBSE’s Senior Secondary Schools and who do not wish to move out of the CBSE system after Class X. The students studying in CBSE’s Secondary Schools will, however, be required to appear in Board’s external examination because they will be leaving the Secondary School after Class X.

ii) The Continuous and Comprehensive Evaluation has been strengthened in all CBSE affiliated schools w.e.f. October, 2009 in Class IX.

iii) The new Grading System has been introduced at Secondary School Level (for Class IX and X) effective from 2009-10 academic session.

The Right of Children to Free & Compulsory Education Act 2009 has been enacted, which envisages significant reforms in the Elementary Education sector especially with reference to admission, attendance and completion of elementary education by all children in schools which conform to specified norms and standards.

Appropriate policy reforms in the higher education sector have also been undertaken, Section 6 of the Central Universities Act, 2009 provides for academic reforms in newly established Central Universities. The reforms are being extended to other Central Educational Institutions also.

This information was given by the Minister of State for Human Resource Development Smt. D. Purandeswari, in a written reply to a question, in the Rajya Sabha today.

While approving the Report of the Sixth Central Pay Commission, the Government referred the matter related to the demands made in regard to pay scales of certain common category posts of Pharmacists was one of the items referred to the Committee. The recommendation of the Fast Track Committee regarding the pay scales of the common category posts of Pharmacists has since been received. The Committee has recommended that the entry grade of Pharmacists in Central Government should remain at grade pay of Rs.2800 in the pay band PB-1. However, on completion of 2 years service in the entry grade, all the incumbents should be granted non-functional upgradation to the next higher grade having grade pay of Rs.4200 in the pay band PB-2.

The recommendation of the Fast Track Committee regarding the pay scale of Pharmacists has been considered by the Government and it has been decided to accept the same. Accordingly, the following pay structure is approved for the common category posts of Pharmacists cadre w.e.f. 1.1.2006 :-

Designation

Pre-revised pay scale

Pay structure approved on the recommendation of Fast Track Committee

Remarks

Pharmacist (Entry Grade)

4500-7000

Grade Pay of 2800 in PB-1

Entry grade for Pharmacist Cadre: Essential minimum educational qualifications of 10+2 plus 2 years Diploma in Pharmacy and Registration with State Pharmacy Council.

Pharmacist II

5000-8000

Grade Pay of 4200 in PB-2

Pharmacist Gr.II and I will be merged and designated as Pharmacist (Non-Functional Grade.)

This grade to be granted to Pharmacist (Entry Grade) on non-functional basis after 2 years of service in the grade pay of Rs.2800

Pharmacist I

5500-9000

Grade Pay of 4200 in PB-2

Pharmacist Gr.II and I will be merged and designated as Pharmacist (Non-Functional Grade.)

This grade to be granted to Pharmacist (Entry Grade) on non-functional basis after 2 years of service in the grade pay of Rs.2800

3. Consequent upon the implementation of the above pay structure, promotion from Pharmacists (Entry Grade) to the next higher grade of Pharmacist (Non-Functional Grade) having grade pay of Rs.4200 will be delinked from vacancies and will become non-functional and time-bound. In the case of Organizations like the Ordnance Factory Board, where all the Pharmacists posts are presently in the grade pay of Rs.2800 in the pay band PB-1, the implementation of the above pay sturcture will result in the introduction of the new Non-Functional Grade having grade pay of Rs.4200 in the pay band PB-2.

4. All administrative ministries may initiate action to implement the above revised pay structure in respect of the common category post of Pharmacist Cadre.

The undersigned is directed to invite reference to this
Department's O.M. No. 2/3/2000-Estt. (Pay II) dated isth May, 2000 on the
above subject and to say that according to that order w.e.f. 1.1.1996 the
pension contribution payable in respect of a Government servant during the
active period of his foreign service shall be based on the maximum of the
pay as defined in Rule 9(21)(a)(i) of the Fundamental Rule of the revisedpay
scale of the post held by a Government servant at the time of proceeding
on foreign service or to which he may receive proforma promotion while on
foreign service.

2. Consequent upon revision of Central Government pay scales
in Pay Bands and Grade Pay w.e.f. 1.1.2006 after implementation of the
Sixth Central Pay Commission's recommendations, the question of issuing
necessary revised orders on the above subject has been engaging the
attention of the Government of India. The President is now pleased to
decide that pension contribution payable in respect of a Government
servant during the active period of his foreign service shall be based on the
existing basic pay (Pay in the Pay Band plus Grade Pay) of the post held by a
Government servant at the time of proceeding on foreign service and ip
case he receives proforma promotion/financial up-gradation while on
foreign service, on the basic pay (Pay in the Pay Band plus Grade Pay) fixed
on such promotion/financial up-gradation.

3. These orders will apply w.e.f. 1.1.2006. In respect of persons
who are already on foreign service as on 1.1.2006, the rates of pension
contribution will be calculated as per above formula with effect from the
date they opt to come over to the revised scale in their parent cadres. For
the earlier period, the pension contributions will be as per extant orders i.e.
the orders in force period prior to 1.1.2006 from time to time.

4. In so far as the persons serving in the Indian Audit & Accounts
Department are concerned, these orders are being issued after consultation
with the Comptroller and Auditor General of lndia.

Subject:-Revision of pay of the Chairpersons and Members of the Regulatory
Authorities/Bodies consequent to the implementation of the Sixth
Central Pay Commission recommendations.

Reference is invited to this Department's O.M.of even no. dated 14'" November, 2008. Consequent upon the issue of Department of Expenditure's notification dated ltith ~uly, 2009 amending the CCS (RP) rules, 2008 to the extent that the pre-revised S-30 scale is replaced by the new HAG scale of Rs. 67000(annual increment @3%)-79000. Accordingly, the provisions regarding the pay indicated in the O.M. dated 14Ih ~ovember, 2008 may be read as under:

Pay - The Chairperson would be eligible for pay not exceeding Rs. 80,000/- p.m. (fixed) and Members would be eligible for pay in HAG scale of Rs. 67000-(annual increment @3%)-79000. The pay will be fixed in accordance with the prevailing orders viz. pay minus pension.

Subject:- Recommendations of the Sixth Central Pay Commission relating to encashment of leave in respect of Central Government employees.

The uudersigned is directed to refer to this Department's O.M. of even number dated 25th September, 2008 on the subiect mentioned above according to which encashment of leave in respect & central Government employees will be considered both for earned leave and half pay leave subject to overall limit of 300 days and in respect of encashment of half pay leave, no reduction shall be made on account of pension and pension equivalent of other retirement benefits. In case of shortfall in earned leave, no commutation of half pay leave is permissible. The order was made effective from the lst September, 2008. The matter was reconsidered in this Department in consultation with the Department of Expenditure (Implementation Cell) and it has been decided to modify the date of effect of this Department's 0.M of even number dated 25th September, 2008 to "01.01.2006 instead of 01.09.2008 subject to the following conditions:-

(i) The benefit will be admissible in respect of past cases on
receipt of applications to that effect from the pensioners
concerned by the Administrative Ministry concerned.

(ii) In respect of retirees who have already received encashment
of earned leave of maximum limit of 300 days together with
encashment of HPL standing at their credit on the date of
retirement, such cases need not be reopened. However, such
cases in which there was a shortfall in reaching the maximum
limit of 300 days can be reopened.

(iii) Calculation of cash equivalent in respect of HPL at credit shall be made mutatis mutandis in the manner given in this
Department's O.M. of even number dated 25.09.2008.

2. In respect of persons serving in the Indian Audit & Accounts
Departments, these O.M. issues with the concurrence of the Comptroller and
Auditor General of India.

Reference is invited to the Department of Personnel and Training(D0PT)'s Office Memorandum of even number dated the lgth May,2009 regarding the Modified Assured Career Progression Scheme(MACPS).

Consequent upon the implementation of Sixth Pay Commissions recommendations, the four pre-revised Group 'D' pay scales viz., Rs.2550- 3200, Rs.2610-3540, Rs.2610-4000 and Rs.2650-4000 have been upgraded and replaced by the revised pay structure of grade pay of Rs.1800 in the pay band PB-1.

As per the recommendations of Sixth CPC, Government.sewants in these four pre-revised Group 'D' scales have been granted the Group 'C' revised pay structure of grade pay of Rs.1800 in the pay band PB-1. It has been decided on the analogy of point-5 of Annexure-l of MACPS dated 19.05.2009 that promotions earned or upgradations granted under ACP Scheme of August,-1999 in the past to the four pay scales mentioned above, which now carry the grade pay of Rs.18001- shall be ignored for the purpose of MACPS. However, promotions/financial upgradations earned by existing Group 'D' employees to grade pay of Rs.1900 (pre-revised scale of Rs.3050-75-3590-80-4590) shall be counted for the purpose of MACPS.

Thursday, November 19, 2009

Performance of Pension Fund Managers, managing funds of Government Employees,was reviewed by the New Pension System Trust (NPST). The weighted average return as on 30/09/09, as reported by the Pension Fund Managers (un-audited figures),is as under:-
Weighted Average Return as on 30/09/09 (MTM Basis)

The government has formulated a scheme that will allow its employees to choose between a health insurance plan
provided by an insurer or that from state-run Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS).

At present, the Central government employees are covered under the CHGS scheme, being operated by the health ministry.

"The scheme is already formulated...It will open the choice for government servants," G C Chaturvedi, Additional Secretary in the Finance Ministry told news agency.

The new scheme, which will be placed before the Union Cabinet for approval soon, will immediately benefit at least three lakh Central government employees, he said.

The new scheme, Chaturvedi said, will be more beneficial to the employees who are posted at places where there are no CGHS dispensaries or they are far away from the place of posting.

CGHS dispensaries and hospitals are located only in 26 places in the country.

"Those who are residing outside CGHS dispensaries areas will immediately opt for it... There are over three lakh employees which will immediately opt for it, others will take some time," Chaturvedi said.

The government had earlier appointed a inter-ministerial committee to work out a health insurance scheme to supplement the CGHS scheme to provide better coverage to its employees.

The UPSC has announced the results of the Combined Defence Services Examination (I)-2009 held by the Services Selection Board of the Ministry of Defence for admission to the 128th Course of Indian Military Academy, Dehradun, Naval Academy, Ezhimala, Kerala and Air Force Academy, Hyderabad (Pre-Flying) Training Course i.e. 187th F(P) Course.

The number of vacancies, as intimated by the Government is 250 for Indian Military Academy [including 32 vacancies reserved for NCC ‘C’ Certificate (Army Wing) holders], 40 for Naval Academy, Ezhimala, Kerala [(2 for Hydra/38 for General Service) (including 6 vacancies reserved for NCC ‘C’ Certificate (Naval Wing) holders] and 32 for Air Force Academy, Hyderabad. There are some common candidates in the lists for various courses/wings.

The candidature of all the candidates is provisional. Candidates are required to submit the original certificates in support of age, educational qualification, alongwith Photostat attested copies thereof of Army/Naval/Air Headquarters, as per their first choice.

UPSC has a “Facilitation Counter” in its campus where Candidates can obtain any information / clarification regarding their examinations / recruitments during working hours in person or over telephone Nos. 23385271 / 23381125 / 23098543. Result, in order of merit, is available on PIB website i.e www.pib.nic.in and also on the U.P.S.C. website i.e. www.upsc.gov.in.

Click here for -:THE LIST OF THE SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATES, IN ORDER OF MERIT, IS ENCLOSED.

Railway Women’s Welfare Central Organization (RWWCO) organized its women’s day here today. Speaking on the occasion, Minister of State for Railways Sh. E. Ahamed said that RWWCO has always risen to the call of the society and the nation to undertake activities of social service and welfare of mankind. Minister of State for Railways Sh. K.H.Muniyappa has called upon the members of the Railways Women ‘s Welfare Central Organization (RWWCO) to continue to work for the welfare of the society. He said that such organizations should be encouraged in their noble efforts for making the world a better place to live. Member Mechanical, Railway Board Sh. Praveen Kumar was also specially present on the occasion. Smt Arvinder Kaur Khurana, President, RWWCO was also present on the occasion.

During the function 34 outstanding women Railway employees were awarded. 15 talented children from the Indian Railways were given prizes for winning in the All India Drawing & Paining competition-2008. In addition 15 children received prizes for winning the Drawing & Painting Competition organized in Railway Board’s office. 15 children also got prizes for the Essay Competition organized in Railway Board office.

In 1986, RWWCO decided to organize Women’s Day on 19th November every year to commemorate the birthday of late Prime Minister Smt. Indira Gandhi.

Railway Women’s Welfare Central Organization (RWWCO) is the apex body of the chain of women’s welfare organizations spread over all Indian Railways engaged in the task of welfare of railway men and their families through various need-based socio/welfare activities. While the primary concern of the Organization is the welfare of Railway employees and their families, it has always risen to the call of the society and the nation- be it environmental awareness, family welfare drives, disturbances on the borders or the natural calamities. It is one of the fore-runner voluntary Organizations in the country today. Among all its activities RWWCO pays particular attention on betterment of womenfolk of vast railways family and their children.

Wednesday, November 18, 2009

The Central Vigilance Commission disposed of 472 cases during September 2009 referred to it for advice. The Commission advised initiations of major penalty proceedings against 111 officers. Of these, 24 were from M/o Railways, 19 from Govt. of NCT of Delhi, 15 from MCD, 14 from public sector banks, 4 each Deptt. of Education, Deptt. of Defence Production, Ministry of Urban Development & EPFO and 3 each Central Coalfields Ltd. , NDMC, LIC and Ministry of External Affairs The remaining 11 cases pertained to different departments of the Government of India and PSUs.

The Commission also advised imposition of major penalty against 70 officers including 11 from Public Sector Banks, 8 from Central Board of Excise and Customs, 7 from MCD, 6 from Deptt. of Telecommunications, 5 each from United India Insurance Co. Ltd. & Ministry of Defence, 4 each from Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan & Ministry of Railways, 3 from Central Board of Direct Taxes, 2 each from National Insurance Co. Ltd., Central Coalfields Ltd., CPWD & DDA Remaining 9 cases pertained to different departments of the Government of India and PSUs.

The Commission disposed 1131 complaints during the month. Of these, 987 complaints were sent for necessary action/ATR whereas 144 complaints were sent for investigation and report.

On the Commission’s recommendations, the competent authorities issued sanctions for prosecution against 26 officers including 18 from CBEC, 3 from Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions, 2 from CBDT and one each from Home Affairs, BSNL & Ministry of Railways. Major penalty was imposed on 47 officers. These included 16 from Public Sector Banks, 14 from Ministry of Railways, 7 MCD and 3 from DDA. The remaining 7 cases pertained to different departments of the Government of India and PSUs.

Recoveries to the tune of Rs. 61.25 crore were affected after Commission conducted technical examination of some departments.

Tuesday, November 17, 2009

NO.1/412009-1R
Government of lndia
Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions
Department of Personnel & Training

North Block, New Delhi
Dated: the 05th October, 2009

OFFICE MEMORANDUM

Subject:- Acceptance of castes certificates produced by candidates.
The undersigned is directed to say that this Department's O.M. No.3601216188-Estt.(SCT) dated 24.4.1990 and 0.M. No.36012122193- Estt.(Res.)dated 15.11.1993 provide that the Casterrribel Community certificates in the proforrna prescribed and issued by any of the authorities stated in the said OMS will only be accepted by the appointing authorities as sufficient proof in support of a candidate's claim to belong to Scheduled Caste1 Schedule Tribe1 Other Backward Class. It has been brought to the notice of this Department that some Organisations do not accept the certificates in the proforma so prescribed and ask the candidates to submit certificates in some other format. It is ernphasised that instructions referred to above should be followed scrupulously.
2. All the Ministries1 Departments etc. are requested to bring the contents of this OM to the notice of all concerned.
Click here to open the Order

Monday, November 16, 2009

The Union Public Service Commission has announced the results of National Defence Academy & Naval Academy Exam (II) 2009 on the basis of the results of written examination held by UPSC in April 2009 and the interviews held by the Services Selection Board of the Ministry of Defence. The examination was held for admission to the Army, Navy and Air Force Wings of National Defence Academy for the 123rd Course and Naval Academy 10+2 (Executive Branch) for 43rd Course commencing from 30th December, 2009.

The list contains names of 463 candidates. There are some common candidates in the three lists for Army/Navy, Air Force and Naval Academy. The total number of such candidates in the three lists is 253. The number of vacancies as intimated by the Government of India is 335 (195 for the Army, 039 for the Navy, 066 for the Air Force and 035 for the Naval Academy (Executive Branch).

The result of Medical Examination of candidates has not been taken into account in preparing the merit list. The candidature of all the candidates is provisional.

The result of Roll No.231067 has been withheld.

Candidates may obtain any information/clarification during working hours in person or over telephone No.011-23385271, 011-23381125 and 011-23098543. The result is available on PIB website i.e www.pib.nic.in and also on the UPSC website i.e. www.upsc.gov.in.

Subject: Guide on the Right to information Act, 2005 The undersigned is directed to say that this Department has issued four sets of guidelines and several other Office Memoranda regarding implementation of the Right to lnformation Act, 2005 during last three years. Section 26 of the Act requires the Government to prepare such guidelines and update these at regular intervals. Accordingly a consolidated updated Guide on the Act has been prepared which would help all the stake-holders-information seekers in getting information, public information officers in dealing with the RTI applications, first appellate authorities in taking cogent decisions on appeals and the public authorities in implementing various provisions of the Act in right earnest.

2. A copy of the Guide is enclosed herewith with the reauest that it mav be brought to the notice of all concerned.

Sunday, November 15, 2009

The official Wholesale Price Index for 'All Commodities' (Base: 1993-94 = 100) for the month October 2009 declined by 0.2 percent to 242.2 (Provisional) from 242.7 (Provisional) for the previous month.

INFLATION

The annual rate of inflation, based on monthly WPI, stood at 1.34 percent (Provisional) for the month of October, 2009 (over October 2008) as compared to 0.50 percent (Provisional) for the previous month and 11.06 percent during the corresponding month of the previous year. Build up inflation in the financial year so far was 6.13% compared to a build up of 5.99% in the corresponding period of the previous year.

Sub:- Reimbursement of School Uniform and Shoes under CEA Scheme – Issue of Clarification.

Para 1 (e) of GOI, DoPT OM No. 12011/03/2008-Estt (Allowance) dated 02/9/2008 regarding Children Education Allowance Scheme provides that reimbursement for purchase of two sets of uniforms and one set of school shoes can be claimed for a child, in a year. Following point of doubt regarding reimbursement of school uniform and shoes by the Government Servants was referred to Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions (Department of Personnel & Training) through Ministry of Defence (Fin) for their clarification:-

(i)Whether reimbursement of purchase of school uniform and shoes i.e two sets of uniforms and one set of school shoes under the Children Education Allowance Scheme includes two sets each of summer uniform and winter uniform and one pair each of black and white shoes or of any colour.

2.Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions (Department of Personnel & Training) have clarified that two sets of uniform mean two uniforms irrespective of summer or winter dresses. One set of school shoes is one pair of shoes either black or white.

3.In view of the above clarification of DoPT the reimbursement of School Uniform and Shoes under CEA Scheme may be admitted accordingly.

The undersigned is directed to refer to DOP&T OM No.12011/03/2008-Estt.(Allowance) dated 2nd September, 2008 on the above subject and to say that this Department has been receiving various references from Government servants, Ministries1 Departments seeking clarification whether Vidyalaya Vikas Nidhi (VVN) charged by Kendirya Vidyalayas is reimbursable as per items detailed in para l(e) of the above mentioned OM. The matter has been considered in consultation with Ministry of Finance. It is clarified that Vidyalaya Vikas Nidhi charged by Kendriya Vidyalayas will also form part of para l(e) of the said OM and can be claimed for reimbursement under the scheme of Children Education Allowance subject to the annual ceiling of Rs. 12000 per child. Where Vidyala Vikas Nidhi has not been admitted for reimbursement in past cases, the same may now be considered for reimbursement, subject to the other conditions.

This Department has also been receiving references seeking clarification whether Children Education Allowance can be claimed in respect of any two children by Government Servants who have more than two children. It is clarified that Children Education Allowance is admissible for the two eldest surviving children only, except when the number of children exceeds two due to second child birth resulting in multiple births.

Friday, November 13, 2009

Subject:- Grant of the revised pay structure of grade pay of Rs.4600 in the pay band PB-2 to posts that existed in the pre-revised scale of Rs.6500-10500 as on 1.1.2006 and which were granted the normal replacement pay structure of grade pay of Rs.4200 in the pay band PB-2

Sixth Pay commission recommended merger of the three pre-revised scales of Rs.5000-8000, Rs.5500-9000 and Rs.6500-10500 and replaced them by the revised pay structure of grade pay of Rs.4200 in the pay band PB-2. Vide para 2.2.21 (v) of its report, the Commission recommended that on account of the merger of these 3 scales, some posts which constituted feeder and promotion grades would come to lie in an identical grade. The Commission gave specific recommendations in its Report granting higher grade pay of Rs.4600 to some categories of these posts. As regards the other posts, the Commission recommended that it should first be seen if the posts in theses 3 scales can be merged without any functional disturbance and if possible, the same should be done, Further, the Commission recommended that in case it is not feasible to merge the posts in these pay scales n functional consideration, the posts in the scale of Rs.5000-8000 and Rs.5500-9000 should be merged with the posts in the scale of Rs.6500-10500 being upgraded to the next higher grade in the pay band PB-2 with grade pay of Rs.4600 corresponding to the pre-revised scale of Rs.7450-11500, the posts being upgraded from the scale of Rs.6500-10500 should be merged with the post in the scale of Rs. 7450-10500.

The above recommendations of the Sixth Pay Commission were notified vide para (ii), Section I in Parts B and C of the First Schedule to the CCS (RP) Rules,2008. While Part B of the First Schedule of he CCS(RP) Rules relates to revised pay scales for common categories of staff, Part C notifies revised pay structure for certain posts in Ministries, Departments and Union Territories. The above provisions of the Rules specifically mentioned that upgradations in terms of para (ii) Section I may be done in consultation with Department of Expenditure, Ministry of Finance.

Consequent upon the Notification of CCS (RP) Rules, 2008, Department of Expenditure has received a large number of references from administrative ministries / departments proposing upgradations of the posts which were in the pre-revised scale of Rs.6500-10500 as on 1.1.2006 by been granting them grade pay of Rs.4600 in the pay band PB-2. The matter has been considered and it has now been decided that the posts which were granted the normal replacement pay structure of grade pay of Rs.4200 in the pay band PB-2, will be granted pay of Rs.4600 in the pay band PB-2 corresponding to the pre-revised scale of Rs.7450-11500 w.e.f.1.1.2006. Further, in terms of the aforementioned provisions of CCS (RP) Rules, 2008, in case a post already existed in the pre-revised scale of Rs.7450-11500, the posts being upgraded from the scale of Rs.5600-10500 should be merged with the post in the scale of Rs.7450-11500.

Accordingly, in terms of Rule 6 of CCS (RP) Rules, 2008, revised pay of Government servants in the pre-revised scale of Rs.6500-10500 who were earlier granted grade pay of Rs.4200 and who have already exercised their option for drawal of pay in the revised pay structure in the format prescribed in the Second Schedule to the Rules, will be fixed again in accordance with illustration 4A annexed to CCS (RP)Rules,008.

In case of all such Government servants in the pre-revised scale of Rs.6500-10500 who were earlier granted grade pay of Rs.4200 and who had opted to have their pay fixed under CCS(RP) Rules, 2008, action as prescribed in this Department’s O.M. of even number dated 30th August, 2008 will be taken. In case a Government servant desires to revise his earlier option for coming over to the revised pay structure, he may be permitted to do so without any reference to this Department.

6. On account of pay fixation in the revised pay structure of grade pay of Rs.4600 in the pay band PB-2, arrears of pay will be recalculated and difference of arrears in respect of the entire amount will be paid immediately. The manner of drawal of arrears ahs already been indicated in this Departments/s O.M. of even number dated 30.8.2008.

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EXPECTED PAY SCALE OF 7TH CPC
EXPECTED 7TH CPC PAY SCALE :-7th CPC Pay Scale is fast becoming the most mesmerizing phrase among Central Government employees these days. Every Central Govt Employee is waiting to find out the changes in their pay scale that the 7th CPC would recommend to the pay structure...

The National Mazdoor Conference has urged the Chairman of the newly formed 7th Pay Commission recommend that 20% interim relief be given to all Central and State Government employees. As per Newspapers report that the NMC has also strongly demanded that these recommendations be submitted to the new government...

100% D.A from January 2014 – Some Allowances and Advances Rise by 25%. The National Mazdoor Conference has urged the Chairman of the newly formed 7th Pay Commission recommend that 20% interim relief be given to all Central and State Government employees.

LTC-Will Air Travel Continue for the Next 2 Years? These concessions were initially announced for only two years and then extended to 2013. Each BLOCK YEAR can be carried forward to one year, i.e., those who haven’t utilized the facility in 2012-13 BLOCK YEAR can avail of it until December 2014.

Expected DA- Status, as of March 2014 : Expected Dearness Allowance from July 2014 : This time there is a considerable slackening in the pace of the expected DA. It looks as if there are plenty of reasons for it. As of March, the AICPIN has increased by one point and is at 239.The rapid increase in Consumer Price Index (IW)...

For a number of years now, especially after the 6th CPC, the problems faced by LDCs and UDCs have started gaining prominence. The unity and sense of purpose among them makes them look all set for the kind of victory that Pharmacists had. Common sense of purpose, unity and dedication sure make success possible!

Right now, the retirement age for Central Government employees is 60. While news has circulated that the Government has decided to raise the age to 62, no decisions have been made regarding this during the Cabinet Committee meeting that was held on 28.02.2014.